How Does the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana Empower Rural Women and Enhance Farm Incomes in Gujarat?
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Synopsis
Discover how the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana is transforming the lives of rural women in Gujarat, empowering them through drone technology to enhance agricultural productivity and economic independence. This initiative is not just about technology; it’s about building a future where women can thrive. Read on to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Women empowerment through technology is a key focus.
- The initiative supports economic independence for rural women.
- Drone technology is transforming agricultural practices.
- Participants gain certification and skills in modern farming.
- The scheme aligns with national development goals for sustainability and growth.
Gandhinagar, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Navratri festival, a celebration of devotion and the essence of womanhood, has once again highlighted the strength of women. In Gujarat, this spirit of empowerment transcends cultural festivities, as women revolutionize agriculture with state-of-the-art drone technology under the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana, according to the Gujarat government.
Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, this scheme is designed to equip women-led self-help groups with drones, facilitating efficient pesticide spraying and crop management.
With Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel overseeing its execution in Gujarat, the initiative stands as a beacon of women’s economic empowerment and technological integration in rural locales.
Part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission, the program aims to lower labor costs, elevate farm productivity, and generate new income avenues for trained female drone pilots and technicians.
Women, referred to as Drone Didis, are becoming trailblazers in agriculture, transferring technological skills from workshops to farms.
In Rajkot’s Nanavada village, 33-year-old Sonalben Pambhar has emerged as a local figure. Once confined to home duties, she pursued training in Pune and Rajkot to become a certified drone operator.
On June 10, 2024, she executed her inaugural pesticide spray using a drone on cotton and groundnut crops. Within a year, she collaborated with 1,740 farmers, treating fields of groundnut, soybean, pigeon pea, cotton, chickpea, and peas.
Her income surpassed Rs 15.38 lakh, earning her the nickname “Lakhpati Didi.”
“This scheme has transformed my life. I now hold a new identity in my community, and my family’s living standards have greatly improved,” she expressed, thanking the Mission Mangalam department and Prime Minister Modi.
In Banaskantha’s Varsada village, 29-year-old Bhavnaben Choudhary, a bachelor’s degree holder, was introduced to drones through her Sakhi Mandal under the Rural Livelihood Mission.
After a 15-day training program at Indus University in Ahmedabad, she achieved her drone pilot license and began spraying pesticides on local lands.
Currently, she makes over Rs 50,000 monthly, gaining not only financial autonomy but also respect within her community.
“I never imagined I would operate drones in the fields. This scheme has provided me with both independence and dignity,” she stated.
The NaMo Drone Didi Yojana is revolutionizing Gujarat’s rural economy. Women who were once unfamiliar with technology are now adept at using advanced equipment and establishing sustainable livelihoods.
In addition to economic empowerment, the initiative has fostered confidence, transformed beneficiaries into role models, and reinforced the government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the profound impact of the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana on rural women in Gujarat. This initiative not only enhances agricultural productivity but also champions women's empowerment, aligning with our national goals for development. The program's success illustrates the significant role technology can play in improving lives and fostering economic independence.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana?
The NaMo Drone Didi Yojana is a scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 to empower women-led self-help groups in Gujarat by providing them with drone technology for agricultural purposes.
How does the scheme benefit rural women?
The scheme enables rural women to become certified drone operators, allowing them to efficiently manage crops, spray pesticides, and earn a sustainable income.
What are the economic impacts of this initiative?
The initiative helps reduce labor costs, increases farm productivity, and creates new income opportunities for trained women, leading to improved living standards.
Who can participate in the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana?
Women from self-help groups and those involved in agriculture can participate in the training and benefit from the drones provided under the scheme.
What is the long-term vision of this program?
The program aims to empower women economically and technologically, contributing to the government's goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
